Thursday, October 22, 2009

Marriages Walls of Protection

Jerry and I believe that one of the benefits of marriage is to be able to join together as one and be a powerful spiritual force that can withstand any enemy. The Bible tells us in Deut. 32:30 that one can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight. It’s so important for us to be watchful and not invite the enemy into our homes.

In Bible times, city walls were erected to keep the enemy out and they posted watchman 24/7 on top of the walls to make sure no enemy was even at a distance.

Communication touches all areas in our marriage relationship. We feel marriage boundaries or hedges are important.  Because Satan is so subtle, it is important to have firm boundaries established before a problem arises.

If you are communicating intimately with your spouse and are meeting each other’s needs, the walls of protection remain strong. However, when you allow little things to come between you, it opens the door for other things and people to get in the way of your closeness.

In such an age of technology, keeping connected with people is easier than ever before. Making phone calls and sending endearing emails, texts, etc. to your spouse are ways to connect & keep the marriage fires burning. On the flipside, doing these things to anyone besides your spouse can hinder your relationship.

What about lunches and coffee breaks at work? Although a business lunch may be necessary occasionally, keeping it strictly business is wise. Once you begin talking about personal things, it could spiral into something before you even realize it. Be sure to stay on guard and alert in these situations.

Jerry and I also make it a boundary not to go places in a vehicle with someone of the opposite sex alone. If it becomes necessary because of work or something unavoidable, we let the other spouse know – and we don’t make it a routine practice. When I was in a youth group (more years ago than I want to admit), my youth pastor began giving another woman a ride to work. He and his wife were very close to the coworker and her husband and often did things as a foursome. What started out as just helping a friend eventually destroyed two families and caused devastation to our youth group.

This is a subject that could go on and on. Entire books have been written about it. Obviously, this barely scratches the surface. We would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Just click on “comment” below. You can either sign your name or remain anonymous.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Marriage Affair

Malachi 2:15 (The Message): “His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does He want from marriage? Children of God, that's what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don't cheat on your spouse.”

These last few days, talk-radio, television and the internet are all discussing the marriage breaches of those in the spotlight. David Letterman and Jon & Kate are the most mentioned – and it seems their troubles have increased their ratings tremendously. Why are people so drawn to failed relationship stories?

Many movies and television programs today make it look like the grass is greener on the other side. I’m here to tell you, it still has to be mowed – just like your own! New relationships always start out with excitement and fun; however, life always becomes routine. It takes commitment to tunnel through the daily-ness of marriage and be willing to stay devoted in the midst of it all.

Our marriages can stay fresh, and we can have the unity we so desire. However, it requires work! As time passes by, many tend to relax and take each other for granted. Let me encourage you to continue to do little things for your spouse. Remember those things you did while you were dating? Are you still doing them?

Let me encourage you today – have an affair with your spouse so no one else will!